Birds Around Me

The Arctic Skua, also known as the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), is a bold and acrobatic seabird of the northern hemisphere. Measuring 41–46 cm in length with a wingspan of 107–125 cm, it is medium‑sized among the skua family (Stercorariidae). Its plumage varies widely, with light, dark, and intermediate morphs, making identification a challenge for birdwatchers.   Arctic Skua or Parasitic Jaeger  (Stercorarius parasiticus) Iceland, July 2025 This species breeds across the Arctic tundra and northern coasts, including regions of Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, northern Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, where 1–2 eggs are laid. After breeding, Arctic Skuas migrate long distances, wintering across the southern hemisphere oceans, from South America to Africa and Australasia.   Arctic Skua or Parasitic Jaeger  (Stercorarius parasiticus) Iceland, July 2025 The Arctic Skua is famous for its kleptoparasit...

The Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), sometimes called the Arctic Fulmar, is a stout‑bodied seabird that inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Though it looks superficially like a gull, it is actually a member of the petrel family (Procellariidae), closely related to albatrosses and shearwaters.   Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) Iceland, July 2025 Adults measure about 45–50 cm in length with a wingspan of 102–112 cm. Their plumage varies from pale gray and white to darker shades, depending on the population. A key feature is the tube‑shaped nostrils on their bill, used to excrete excess salt and to enhance their keen sense of smell—an adaptation that helps them locate fish, squid, and crustaceans across vast oceans.   Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) Iceland, July 2025 Northern Fulmars are renowned for their stiff‑winged flight, gliding effortlessly over rough seas. They breed in colonies on steep cliffs, layin...

The Red‑throated Diver, known in North America as the Red‑throated Loon, is a remarkable aquatic bird of the northern hemisphere. Measuring up to 69 cm in length with a wingspan of about 1.1 m, it is the smallest of the diver family (Gaviidae), yet also the most widely distributed.   Red-throated Diver or Loon (Gavia stellata) Iceland, July 2025 In breeding plumage, adults display a striking rust‑red throat patch, contrasting with a sleek gray head and finely patterned back. Outside the breeding season, their plumage becomes more subdued, with mottled browns and grays that blend into coastal waters. A key field mark is their slender, slightly uptilted bill, often held pointing upwards, giving them a distinctive profile.   The species breeds across Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America, nesting near freshwater lakes, ponds, and tundra wetlands. Nests are simple scrapes close to water, where 1–3 eggs are laid. After breeding, Red‑throated Divers mig...

The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is one of the most striking and colorful sea ducks of the northern hemisphere. Small and compact, measuring about 40–47 cm in length, it is instantly recognizable by its bold plumage and lively behavior in turbulent waters.   Female Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) Iceland, July 2025 Adult males are particularly spectacular. Their plumage is a dramatic mix of slate blue, chestnut, and white, with bold spots and stripes that resemble the costume of a harlequin clown—hence the name. Females, by contrast, are more subdued, with brown plumage and three pale facial spots that help distinguish them from other sea ducks.   Harlequin Ducks breed in fast‑flowing rivers and streams across northern North America, Greenland, and Iceland, as well as parts of eastern Russia. Nests are usually hidden among rocks or vegetation close to water. After breeding, they migrate to winter along rocky coastlines of the North Pacific an...